We were taking care of a pediatric patient in the PICU who was 8 years old, in renal failure and in need of a kidney. The patient's mother was the kidney donor and had just been through surgery to give her kidney to her child and was in a lot of postoperative pain. The patient's mother was the primary support in the hospital and constantly at the child's bedside because the child's father worked long hours and was trying to support the family. After getting to know the family, Bora learned that they had no support system in the area.

In the PICU they noticed she was stressed and in pain from her own surgery. The mother was worried about doing laundry for herself and her child, and the 6S laundry was broken. Bora found the mother desperate and trying to wash her clothes in the sink!

At this time Bora sprung into action! Bora lives in the Helmsley tower and knew there were laundry services available to her and she could help out. So, Bora asked if she could offer help and the mother agreed. On her own time after her shift, Bora used her own laundry card money, went to the Helmsley laundry services and laundered the clothes for this patient and mother. She folded all the laundry neatly and brought it promptly back to the mother.

The mother was so grateful for such a gesture and just so thankful to Bora for recognizing her personal needs during this time! These two nurses were astute enough to see the whole patient/family dynamic and offer support to not only the patient but the family member in need during a very difficult time. Sometimes it's the small gestures that go a long way!